CONFESSION & RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL VOWS

Do you renounce Satan, the evil powers of this world, and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?

I renounce them.

Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?

I renounce them.

Do you know Jesus Christ to be your Savior?

I do.

Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?

I do.

Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?

I do.

Do you believe in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? 

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic* Church, 

the communion of saints**, 

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body, 

and the life everlasting.  Amen.

Will you continue in the teaching of the apostles, the fellowship of Christ’s Church, in the breaking of bread, and in prayer?

I will, with God’s help.

Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?

I will, with God’s help.

Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

I will, with God’s help.

Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?

I will, with God’s help.

Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

I will, with God’s help.

THE BAPTISM

BENEDICTION

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.  (Romans 15:13)

Amen.

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*Catholic (lower case “c”) means universal. Though there are diverse denominations and local church expressions, the word catholic implies that God’s Church is essentially one. It is not a profession in a particular, local church (Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Orthodox, Non-Denominational, etc.), but in THE Church.

**A saint is a Biblical term for anyone who is in Christ Jesus. Notice how many of the Apostle Paul’s letters in the New Testament, for example, begin with him addressing the letter to “the saints”.